My brothers and sisters in Christ,
Just a thought: One of my favorite fast-food sandwiches is the Culver’s cheeseburger. Not sure why I like it, but I do. So, you can sense my disappointment when I drove by their restaurant and found it closed for remodeling. Rats. I can’t wait until it re-opens. Which started me to wonder, will I like the change? Did they move the soda machines from the middle of the restaurant? Where would the custard special pickup be? Will it still be on the left side of the front counter (Don’t ask me how I know that.)? Will I not like it because it is different and not what I am used to?
Sometimes change is hard. With all the changes going on in the world, I like to at least hold on to something that is the same, over and over again. But here’s the thing: Have I forgotten the reason why I like Culver’s so much? I like it because of the cheeseburger. Does it matter that the restaurant looks different? Maybe the ketchup dispensers are no longer directly across from the soda machine. Different is different. I’m sure the parent company did it for a reason. I need to make sure I never forget why I am there.
Maybe it is the same for the worship service?
Please don’t forget our Annual Meeting is Sunday, January 25. It will be right after the worship service. Please plan on attending. We need you to be there so we can do the business of the church. In the Lutheran Church, power resides within the congregation. This is one of the ways you express your power by voting on items that are important to St. John’s. Plus, I even heard that treats will be provided.
On Saturday, January 24, our church will be celebrating the life of Bernice Menne. I believe that the visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. and then the celebration will be held at 11:00 a.m. Bernice meant so much to our church. It would be great if we could pack the church to show her family how special she was to us. The format has changed. There will not be an opportunity to speak during the service. I am delivering a message, so if there is something you want me to say about her, please let me know.
I hope you know how I feel about St. John’s. Sunday was another example of how our church is a beacon among the community. About a month ago, a family that attends Church on the Hill asked me if their two daughters could receive their first communion at our church. The reason is that they haven’t had a pastor at their church for over 7 years. They do attend some of our special services. It was a no-brainer for me. Of course, our church would be able to do this.
One of the girls is in fourth Grade, and the other is in second Grade. We have some non-biblical rules that say First Communion in fourth Grade and Confirmation in eighth Grade. These rules were made by humans somewhere in the past. I am glad that our Synodical and National Church recognizes that these are simply guidelines and not rules. As long as they have had instruction by the pastor and are ready to participate, they are good to go.
In some cases, I am very glad for my internship experience. One day, I believe a young boy, about 4 years old, was receiving instruction for his First Communion. I remember saying to my mentor, “Wait, wait. Fourth Grade, Fourth Grade.” She just shook her head at me (which she did often), and called the boy over and asked what this communion wafer meant to him. He said, “God loves me.” Boom! What more could be said? Needless to say, I shook my head at myself (which I also did often). Could you imagine not letting a guest eat at your table?
Yes, sometimes I also forget why we come together. As sinners, as flawed human beings, we come to worship our God together, and where all are welcome, and I mean ALL.
Crossed marked and spirit sealed,
Pastor Tom
815-223-1144
Readings for the second Weekend of Epiphany – January 17 & 18.
Isaiah 49:1-7 Psalm 40:1-11 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 John 1:29-42